Verdrag van Karlowitz tussen de keizer, Polen, Rusland, Venetië en Turkije 1699

This silver medal was made by Reynier Arondeaux, likely in the Netherlands, to commemorate the Treaty of Karlowitz. Signed in 1699, this treaty was a landmark agreement between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League, which included European powers like Austria, Poland, Venice, and Russia. On one side, a personification of Europe extends an olive branch towards Asia, symbolizing peace. They stand on either side of an altar decorated with serpents, representing wisdom, while the inscription references Europe ceasing to fear Asia. The other side features a map of Europe and Asia being forged by a figure, alluding to the reshaping of territories and power dynamics following the treaty. This medal is not just a record of a historical event; it reflects the prevailing European view of the world and the shifting balance of power. Medals like these can offer insights into the political climate and cultural values of the time. By researching diplomatic records, letters, and other period documents, we can gain a richer understanding of the context that shaped this commemorative artwork.